In the town of Passivity, three people had anxiety disorders in the past but not now. Four people developed anxiety disorders six years ago, and continue to have anxiety disorders now. Which of the following might an epidemiologist write in her report concerning the rate of anxiety disorders in this community during the last 12 months?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Prevalence refers to the total number of cases (new and existing) of a disease or disorder at a specific point in time within a population. Since only four people have current anxiety disorders in the town, the prevalence of anxiety disorders in the community during the last 12 months would be equal to the total number of people who currently have the disorder, which is four. The incidence would refer to the number of new cases of anxiety disorders during the last 12 months, which is not provided in the information given. Lifetime prevalence would refer to the total number of cases of anxiety disorders at any point in a person's life, which would be 10 in this example.

In the Town of Passivity, Three People Had Anxiety Disorders